We're halfway there...

 This week celebrates the halfway mark until our baby comes...assuming it comes on time! We've heard the heartbeat several times now and it's strong and steady each time. The baby and I survived the long road trip to Texas as well. I met my new doctor this week in Texas and I really like him. The other doctors looked creepy in their pictures on the website so I went with the guy who didn't have a picture. Luckily, he doesn't look creepy in person. This pregnancy has been pretty easy compared to what it could have been. No complications so far! I'm keeping my fingers crossed the baby keeps it that way. The doctor said I'm a few pounds behind where I should be in weight gain. So I have some catch up to do in that area (I shouldn't have a problem with that. I bought ice cream the other day...). Here are some pictures of me lately.

The baby is about the length of a banana this week.

We have our first ultrasound tomorrow so hopefully we'll be able to find out the gender. Then we can stop calling the baby, "It."

Also, as a side note, Joseph started work on Monday. This was my version of his "First Day of Work" picture. He humored me. He had a great first few days and has already started working on his first project for the company. He has his own office, ordered his own business cards, and is getting a company credit card. So far, so good!

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

Pictures are easier to describe what we did during these two days in San Diego.

A tiger who would open his eyes every now and then.

A hippo playing in the water.

Panda Bear. The Zoo sells paper made from Panda poo. But they only sold it in huge packs that cost an arm and a leg so no Panda Poo Paper for us.

Some kangaroos

We visited Balboa Park after the zoo and took some pictures. It was cool.

These animals loves just rolling over in the dirt and laying on their backs.

Mohawk Bird

For Joseph's entertainment, he built ketchup card houses. I'm sure he'll teach our children this wonderful skill in the future.

This elephant was in a corral with a trainer and was doing tricks. It laid down and got back up on command.

Safari Park from the tram ride.

The cheetah and dog walking back after they did their 100 yard dash.

The sleeping lion.

For some reason, my video of the cheetah run won't load. But, we got to see a cheetah run at full speed down this narrow field twice. The park does it once a day and it was awesome to watch! They are so quiet and quick. All in all, it was a great trip to San Diego and much needed vacation!

San Diego Part 2

On Tuesday, we went to the U.S.S. Midway Museum, on a harbor cruise, and to Seaport Village. Here are some highlights of the day.

Outside the USS Midway Museum

On the flight deck

Sitting inside a helicopter

Buckled in the helicopter seat

Sitting in a fighter jet

Our view from a restaurant where we ate lunch

The Coronado Bridge. It was built specially to withstand earthquakes. It actually shakes during earthquakes.

During our harbor cruise, the Navy Seals were doing some training so we got to see it. There is a helicopter in the middle of the picture. They were supposedly dropping Navy Seals into the water.

Joseph on the cruise. It was a little rainy and cold.

Look carefully and you'll see a dolphin fin right next to the boat. These people were part of a research/training group for the navy and were training the dolphin to detect missiles/enemy ships.

Sea Lion Landing

On Wednesday and Thursday, we went to San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. I'll post those pictures later. But Friday, we went to Old Town in San Diego, went snorkeling (or at least tried to), and went to a Padres (baseball) game.

The Church has a historic site to tell the story of the Mormon Battalion. We went on their tour and Joseph volunteered to dress up like a soldier.

The Padres game.

At our first baseball game ever! Now we feel like real Americans.

San Diego Part 1

We've been up to a lot lately so I figured we'll break it down into several posts. Enjoy!

Joseph and I took a quick trip to San Diego before leaving for Texas. The timing was perfect and we're not sure when we'll get away for another vacation anytime soon. We've talked about going to San Diego since we got married so we were excited.

We went to St. George Friday night to visit with Joseph's sister and her family. They have a fun hobby farm that is bursting at the seams with baby rabbits. The bunnies were fun to hold and play with. His sister also has a baby goat named Miranda that followed us around. We got to feed the pigs too! I love going to their farm when we visit.

After this, we drove the rest of the way to San Diego. On Sunday, we went to church and then drove to see the San Diego temple. The temple is beautiful and looks like a castle. After this, we took a fun drive along the beach and walked down some of the harbors near our hotel.

San Diego Temple

Walking around Mission Bay Beach

Near our hotel

At the Sunset Cliffs (Except there was no sunset due to lots of clouds)

Monday was the best day of all (for me, at least). We went to SeaWorld! Since pictures speak 1000 words, here are the highlights.

Super excited just to look at the map

The only ride I went on (I hate rollercoasters and luckily pregnancy stops you from going on them!)

The Sea Lion Show- Our favorite

A cat walking upside down on a rope

Dolphin Show

Dolphin Show

Whale Show  This is one of 5 Shamu's

Joseph rode the Manta, a new ride at SeaWorld

He also rode the Atlantis

Outside the Penguin Exhibit